St Ives Food & Drink Festival 2026 Lands on Porthminster This Month

Three days. One stretch of golden sand. A line-up that includes chefs cooking over open flames, a private podcast recording with some of Cornwall’s best-known names, and a brand-new children’s area packed with circus skills and sensory play.

The St Ives Food & Drink Festival returns to Porthminster Beach from 15th to 17th May 2026, and organisers have lined up plenty of fresh additions alongside the firm favourites.

A festival on the sand

Billed as the UK’s only food and drink festival held on a beach, the event is free to attend and draws thousands of visitors each year to the seafront in St Ives. The setting alone makes it stand out from the usual marquee-and-car-park festival format, with the Cornish coastline serving as the backdrop for everything from chef demos to live music.

Chef’s Fire Pit returns

The Chef’s Fire Pit demos remain a central draw. Top chefs cook over open flames using an Asado firepit, with ingredient-led showcases running across the weekend. It’s one of the festival’s most popular features and gives visitors the chance to see well-known culinary names working up close.

New for 2026: Chef’s Table masterclasses

The biggest addition this year is the Chef’s Table, a new masterclass venue created in partnership with Sharp’s Brewing Co. The ticketed sessions are designed to be intimate and hands-on, with guests learning directly from chefs and producers.

The line-up includes Tiny Talks with Rachel Gaunt and guests covering food, health and wellbeing, a fermenting masterclass with Newlyn Fermentary, the Sharp’s beer quiz, and a one-time only private podcast recording with chefs Andi Tuck, Ben Palmer and Guy Owen. More sessions are also on the programme.

Music across three days

The Beach Stage offers three full days of free live music. Daytime sets run through to sunset, with local acts including Maisy Grace, Caro, Robi Mitch Duo and the Bailey Tomkinson Duo. On Sunday, St Ives Guildhall takes over the stage, bringing The Regalos, Seamus McKenna and Daisy Mae among others.

Local makers and street food

The artisan market, run in partnership with Cornwall Shop Small, puts the focus on Cornish makers and producers. Alongside it, a food village serves up street food showcasing regional produce.

Little Nippers Green for families

Families get their own dedicated space this year with the launch of Little Nippers Green. The new children’s area offers free creative workshops including face painting, sensory play, food-themed music classes, circus skills and cooking activities aimed at younger visitors.

Porthminster Beach Cafe celebrates 35 years

Porthminster Beach Cafe is marking its 35th anniversary during the festival weekend. The cafe is putting on a special champagne tasting menu on the Saturday evening for guests wanting a more formal dining experience as part of the festivities.

What organisers say

A festival spokesperson said: “St Ives Food & Drink Festival is all about celebrating Cornwall’s incredible food and drink in one of the most spectacular settings in the UK. For 2026, we’re excited to introduce new experiences like the Chef’s Table masterclasses and Little Nippers Green while continuing to build on favourites like the Fire Pit demos, live music and showcasing Cornwall’s incredible culinary talent. Whether you’re coming for the food, the music or a great day out with family and friends, there’s something for everyone on the beach.”

The full programme and masterclass tickets are available at stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk.